What is the cost of living? (Part 1)

We have been using linear functions to calculate costs for services and purchases of different types of items. What does this have to do with a minimum wage?  If we look at some of the expenses that provide us with the basic services we all need, then we can determine how much money we must earn to be able to pay all of those expenses on a monthly basis.

We will use a function to calculate the cost of a typical item you might purchase at any store.. You want to buy a pack of gum. You want a big pack that will last a few days.

This box of gum costs only $9.99, but that won’t be the amount you pay. Why not? Use the link below to find more information.

http://www.sale-tax.com/Illinois

What will the total cost be?

Talk with your group and decide on a function for cost C(x) where x represents any item you want to purchase. Write your function below.

C(x) = ______________________________________________


Calculating the cost of Utilities

Let us get back to the topic of living expenses. Two major expenses that we must cover are electricity and natural gas.
Break up into pairs, then decide which pair will work on electricity cost and which will work on natural gas costs. Use the resources below to write a function that will calculate the cost of electricity or gas.

 Common wealth Edison
https://www.comed.com/customer-service/billing-payment/understand-bill/Pages/residential-bill-front-archive.aspx

Peoples gas
http://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/home/gas_rates.aspx#chargesInvolved
http://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/home/reading_bill.aspx

---